Letter to the editor: We need a wake-up call on rape

Friday, March 29, 2013 - 12:01 am

Research shows one in four girls and one in six boys are raped in America.

In recent reporting of the Steubenville rape case, society was outraged by the coverage. “Voluntarily got herself intoxicated,” “never heard her say she did not want to do it,” “these two young men … literally watched as they believed their life fell apart” are just some of the atrocious phrases said, which blame the victim. Distancing oneself by blaming the rape on alcohol or a mistake made by the victim should never justify the violation of a human being.

Real rape prevention should be simply stated: Do not rape. It is time to focus on the victim. Prevent future rapists by discussing this tough topic with the youth of our community. According to Shadows of Innocence, “Indiana has the second highest rate in the nation of forced sexual assault intercourse” for females in high school. This should be not only a concern to our community, but a wake-up call to make a change.